St. Croix Hospice Executive and Leadership Team

Heath Bartness, the Chief Executive Officer at St. Croix Hospice, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational expansion across the Midwest. Overseeing the delivery of end-of-life care, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that clinical standards remain consistent throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine service models and enhance patient advocacy programs. By prioritizing high-quality care standards, Heath Bartness drives the organization toward sustainable growth while maintaining a focus on the needs of patients and caregivers. The Chief Executive Officer manages the integration of new regional initiatives, ensuring that the mission of providing compassionate hospice support remains the primary objective. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Bartness secures the long-term viability of the company in a competitive healthcare landscape.

Stephen Phenneger, the Chief Financial Officer, Presidential at St. Croix Hospice, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies required for expansive hospice operations. Overseeing financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer, Presidential ensures that resources remain available for the delivery of end-of-life care across the Midwest. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue cycles and optimizing cost structures to support the long-term sustainability of the organization. By providing data-driven insights to the executive team, Stephen Phenneger facilitates informed decision-making regarding regional expansion and service enhancements. The Chief Financial Officer, Presidential maintains strict compliance with healthcare financial regulations, ensuring that the company operates with transparency and efficiency. Through the management of financial risk and investment in infrastructure, Phenneger supports the core mission of providing compassionate advocacy and care to patients and caregivers throughout the service area.

Curt Bludworth, the Chief Human Resources Officer at St. Croix Hospice, architects the talent acquisition and workforce development strategies necessary for high-quality hospice care. Overseeing the recruitment of clinical and administrative staff, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the organization maintains a robust team capable of supporting patients across multiple states. This leadership role involves designing training programs that emphasize empathy and professional excellence in end-of-life care. By fostering a culture of employee engagement, Curt Bludworth directly impacts the retention of skilled healthcare professionals. The Chief Human Resources Officer collaborates with executive leadership to align staffing levels with regional demand, ensuring consistent service delivery. Through the implementation of comprehensive human capital policies, Bludworth strengthens the operational foundation of the company, ultimately supporting the mission of providing superior advocacy and care to families in need.

Andrew Mayo, the Chief Medical Officer at St. Croix Hospice, directs the clinical protocols and medical standards that define the quality of end-of-life care. Overseeing the medical staff and clinical practices, the Chief Medical Officer ensures that every patient receives personalized advocacy and support across the regional footprint. This leadership role involves establishing evidence-based care guidelines that align with the mission of providing comfort and dignity. By collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, Andrew Mayo optimizes the delivery of hospice services to meet the complex needs of patients and caregivers. The Chief Medical Officer monitors clinical outcomes to drive continuous improvement in care quality. Through the integration of medical expertise into operational workflows, Mayo ensures that the organization remains a leader in hospice services, ultimately enhancing the patient experience and supporting the overall health objectives of the company.